Study Desk

My brothers, I myself am convinced about you that you also are full of goodness,^(u) filled with all knowledge,^(v) and able to instruct one another.

Nevertheless, I have written to remind you more boldly on some points^[h] because of the grace given me by God^(w)

to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles,^(x) serving as a priest of God's good news.^(y) My purpose is that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable,^(z) sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Therefore I have reason to boast in Christ Jesus^(aa) regarding what pertains to God.^(ab)

For I would not dare say anything except what Christ has accomplished through me^(ac) to make the Gentiles obedient by word and deed,

by the power of miraculous signs and wonders,^(ad) and by the power of God's Spirit. As a result, I have fully proclaimed the good news about the Messiah from Jerusalem^(ae) all the way around to Illyricum.^[i](af)

My aim is to evangelize where Christ has not been named,^(ag) so that I will not build on someone else's foundation,^(ah)

but, as it is written: Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand. ^(ai)[j]

That is why I have been prevented many times from coming to you.^(aj)

But now I no longer have any work to do in these provinces,^[k] and I have strongly desired for many years to come to you^(ak)

whenever I travel to Spain.^[l] For I hope to see you when I pass through, and to be assisted by you for my journey there,^(al) once I have first enjoyed your company^(am) for a while.

Right now I am traveling to Jerusalem^(an) to serve the saints,^(ao)

for Macedonia^(ap) and Achaia^[m](aq) were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.

Yes, they were pleased, and indeed are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual benefits,^(ar) then they are obligated to minister to Jews in material needs.

So when I have finished this and safely delivered the funds^[n] to them,^(as) I will visit you on the way to Spain.

I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing^[o] of Christ.

Now I appeal to you, brothers, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit,^(at) to join with me in fervent prayers to God on my behalf.^(au)

Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea,^(av) that the gift I am bringing to^[p] Jerusalem^(aw) may be acceptable to the saints,^(ax)

and that, by God's will,^(ay) I may come to you with joy^(az) and be refreshed together with you.

The God of peace be with all of you.^(ba) Amen.